'Un-Trump' Bloomberg makes Providence stop

Billionare Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and founder of an technology and media company that bears his name, has received Gov. Gina Raimondo’s endorsement for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“There are a lot of good people running for president, and I know a lot of them … the stakes are too high in this election. We need to get behind somebody who is a fighter, who has a track record of getting things done, and who can win against Donald Trump,” Raimondo told those on hand during a Wednesday campaign event at the Wexford building in Providence.

Bloomberg, for his part, touted his credentials and temperament in describing himself as the “un-Trump.”

“My fellows Democrats are all good people, but I offer a different choice and a different type of leadership,” the candidate said.

Raimondo called Bloomberg a “friend” and someone whose advice has “made me a better governor.” She is the first governor in the nation to endorse Bloomberg’s candidacy, and she is taking on a co-chair role with his campaign.

Bloomberg also had warm words for Raimondo, saying she is “my kind of leader.”

“I’ve always been a fan of hers since back when she was Treasurer Raimondo … She doesn’t just talk about things, she goes out and she does them,” he said.

Bloomberg, who succeeded Rudy Giuliani as mayor of the nation’s largest city shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2011, is mounting a wholly unconventional campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. He is self-funding his bid and eschewing the televised debates and early primary contests, instead investing in a television ad blitz and large-scale field operation.

Previously registered as a Republican and an independent before becoming a Democrat in 2018, Bloomberg is a controversial figure in some circles. That was clear during Wednesday’s announcement, when the candidate’s remarks were at once point interrupted by several disruptors in the audience.

“Thank you for making me feel like I was back in New York City,” Bloomberg quipped.

Raimondo, however, said she sees Bloomberg as uniquely qualified for the presidency, especially among the current Democratic field.

“He’s the only one running who’s actually run something. He’s run a major company and he’s run the most complex city in America,” she said.

Raimondo said Bloomberg “takes on the toughest fights,” including challenges to the NRA and fossil fuel interests.

“Mike Bloomberg is everything President Trump isn’t,” she said. “He’s facts over fiction, he’s a doer, not a talker…He’s a uniter, not a divider. He’s a pragmatist, not a partisan. And he brings calm, confident, steady leadership, not hysteria. And he’s a real successful businessman. He did not grow up with a silver spoon, he grew up like you and I.”

Bloomberg ticked off a number of issues and priorities, including expanding health care access and affordability, enacting “common sense gun laws,” “making America a global leader in the fight against climate change,” addressing issues of inequality, “fixing our broken immigration system” and “protecting women’s rights and appointing judges who will defend those women’s rights.”

“I believe we need less talk, less division, less partisanship, less tweeting,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. “In fact, how about no tweeting from the Oval Office ever again?”